NPSL Media

Gustavo Tavera-Rico Named NPSL National Player of the Week

East Bay FC Stompers forward Gustavo Tavera-Rico has been selected as the fifth NPSL National Player of the Week for the 2018 NPSL season.

The Stompers standout came off the bench in the second half to score the equalizer in a 2-2 draw with Sonoma County Sol FC on April 14.

“This is my fifth season with the Stompers in the NPSL,” Tavera-Rico commented. “I had to take the last two and half seasons off from the club for personal reason, but I am glad to be back and trying to help the Stompers get to the next level. After all the time put in, I feel blessed that I was voted by the media to be the NPSL National Player of the Week. It means a lot to me to be recognized in the NPSL and across the whole U.S.”

Tavera-Rico, also nicknamed “GTR,” has appeared in all four games this season, starting two games and registering two goals and an assist in league play. He has a career total of 10 goals and eight assists with the Stompers.

“GTR is one of those strikers that is strong when he goes to goal,” East Bay FC Stompers Head Coach Martin Sierra added. “If you don’t respect his strength and ability he will put the ball in the back of the net.”

The Hayward, California native first played in the NPSL with the Stompers during their inaugural season in San Francisco in 2012. His brother, David Tavera-Rico, also played for the Stompers in the NPSL.

The winner of this national honor is determined by a vote of media members from across the country. It is awarded every week during the regular season.